A Taste of Dublin & Galway Self Drive

Focused on two of its most popular cities, this Ireland tour is designed for maximum flexibility, with some superb day trips on offer to explore the nearby sights.

Spend 9 days exploring Ireland on this self-drive trip that combines the country’s two favourite city breaks, Dublin and Galway.

Start in Dublin, a city soaked in history, and one of the world’s great cultural centres. Walk in the shadows of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and many more as you explore the streets, colleges, entertainment halls, cafes, and yes, pubs of Ireland’s capital. Stroll the grounds of Trinity College or pull in for a pint at Temple Bar. A hop-on, hop-off bus pass helps you explore some of the further flung attractions, or if you really want to get out of town, take a day trip to Wicklow or Glendalough.

Galway is Ireland’s other great artistic hub, retaining a Bohemian air with one out of every four residents being students. Bursting with energy, this is a great city for live music, street performers, authentic, locally made handicrafts, and artistic pursuits of every stripe. It’s all set on a medieval town that is an integral part of Galway’s identity. Start from Eyre Square and explore to your heart’s content. Just outside of town, uncover the Burren caves and roam the famous Cliffs of Moher, enjoying Ireland’s best Atlantic views. Alternatively, drive north to the dramatic landscape of Connemara, or visit the Aran Islands, a unique region popular with artists, that retains many of its older traditions to this day.

Take a full day to return to Dublin at your own pace, possibly by way of NewGrange, or Bunratty Castle. No matter what your interest, the Emerald Isle offers much to explore.

Arrive Dublin

Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Upon arrival, you will collect your car. Dublin is famous for its easy-going charm and cultural heritage, it is also the capital of The Craic (pronounced 'crack'), the art of life. Famous Dublin sons such as writers Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and Jonathan Swift had it, playwright Samuel Beckett had it, and so have more contemporary cultural ambassadors such as U2. The city is steeped in rich history, starting with the Vikings laying its first streets. Through the centuries, The Craic and an unruly artistic streak have helped shape Dublin into what it is now: A vibrant capital that moves at an easy going pace.

Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch is a perfectly situated Dublin City hotel with various cultural gems just a stone's throw away. Opposite our hotel sits one thousand-year-old Christ Church Cathedral which has stunning architecture and a unique heritage. Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch is also located close to the Temple Bar Sector of the city, which offers a busy hub of food, drink and entertainment, and houses a plethora of restaurants, bars, and cafes including the Hard Rock Cafe. Shopping is an easy 11-minute walk to Grafton Street where there is an extensive selection of high street stores with the beautiful St Stephens Green completing the route.

Consider getting a pass for the Hop on Hop off bus tour (not included in the package) it is a great way to explore this city over the next 48 hours.

Day2

Visit Dublin

Spend today exploring the city. Take a walk around Trinity college and visit the famous book of Kells. Using your second day of your hop on hop off bus pass explore Phoenix park and visit the Dublin Zoo.

Day3

Explore Dublin and Surrounding Area

Today is a perfect day to take a tour of the Dublin Area. One recommendation is to drive out to the Wicklow and visit Glendalough.

After walking around the lake, consider driving back via the Dublin Mountains. Stop in a Johnny Fox's Pub, for some fantastic live music, great craic and is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

Day4

Depart Dublin to Galway

Today you will drive 200 km's west to Galway.

Arty, bohemian Galway (Gaillimh) is renowned for its pleasures. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music while cafes offer front-row seats for observing street performers, weekend parties run amuck, lovers entwined and more. Steeped in history, the city nonetheless has a contemporary vibe. Students make up a quarter of its population, and remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling Aran sweaters, handcrafted Claddagh rings and stacks of second-hand and new books. Galway is often referred to as the 'most Irish' of Ireland's cities, it's the only one where you're likely to hear Irish spoken in the streets, shops and pubs. Even as it careens into the modern age, it still respects the fabric.

The Forster Court Hotel Galway enjoys an enviable location right in the heart of Galway city centre. The prime location, just off Eyre Square, allows you to explore the sights and sounds, music and atmosphere that Galway is famous for, all on your doorstep. Once you have settled in, why not take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Galway, starting at Eyre Square? Stop to marvel at the buskers and street entertainers on Middle Street and then browse in the centuries-old street market at Church Lane, before watching the world go by from the terrace of one of the many restaurants and cafes on Quay Street.

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore this city.

Day5

Galway

Today you can explore this region. Head south to the famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Explore the caves of the Burren before heading to the famous Cliffs. Once at the Cliffs of Moher, take your time walking around and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean below.

Consider driving on to Doolin, take a boat ride from here to visit the cliffs from below. This town is known to produce some great live music in the evening.

Day6

Explore Galway and Surrounding Area

Today head north, visit Connemara and all of its beauty. Take in lunch in the quaint town of Clifden before heading out on the coastal road.

Day7

Explore Galway and Surrounding Area

Consider taking a tour of the Aran Islands. Best booked in advance and a great way to make sure that you get a great experience and they include a tour of these unique Irish islands.

Day8

Galway to Dublin

Today you will return to Dublin. Consider driving a bit further north and experience NewGrange on your way home. Or head south from Galway and visit Bunratty castle, before driving across country back to the Jury's Inn in Christchurch.

Day9

Depart Dublin

Say farewell to Ireland and drop-off your car.

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

Automatic Economy car rental

8 nights’ accommodation

Guinness Store House admission ticket

PRICE EXLUDES:

Travel insurance

International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes

Visa fees if applicable

Meals and beverages not mentioned

Gratuities

Items of a personal nature

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.